Your dog can pick up parasites even if they never roam far from home. Fleas, ticks, heartworms and intestinal worms are common, and they cause problems from itchy skin to serious illness. This guide shows the clear signs to watch for, how to prevent infections on a schedule that works, and what treatment looks like so you act fast and smart.
Common intestinal parasites include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. They often show up as weight loss, poor coat, vomiting, diarrhea, or visible worms in stool or around the dog’s rear. Fleas make dogs scratch, shed hair, and can transmit tapeworms to dogs and people. Ticks attach and can spread Lyme disease or other infections. Heartworm lives in the heart and lungs and spreads through mosquito bites; untreated heartworm can be fatal.
Start with a vet visit. A fecal test and a heartworm test tell you what’s already there. Monthly preventives for fleas, ticks and heartworm are cheap compared with treating disease. Use vet-approved oral or topical products and follow weight-based dosing. Deworm puppies every two to three weeks until three months old, then monthly until six months, unless your vet gives a different plan. Wash bedding weekly, mow the yard, and pick up poop daily to cut parasite eggs and larvae. If you live where mosquitoes or ticks are common, keep dogs indoors at dusk and use mosquito-proof screens.
If you see blood in stool, severe diarrhea, persistent coughing, sudden weight loss, pale gums, or weakness, call your vet now. Diagnosis often needs a stool check, blood work, or imaging. Many intestinal worms clear with a single deworming pill but follow-up tests may be needed. Flea infestations require treatment for the pet and the home — vacuum, wash fabric, and use approved sprays if advised. Heartworm treatment is complex and can be risky; only a vet should manage it. Never use livestock dewormers or human meds without guidance.
Pick products labeled for your dog’s weight and check ingredients; not all products are safe for puppies, small breeds, or dogs with health problems. Keep a parasite calendar: dates for tests, doses, and flea treatments. Ask your vet about combination products to save time. If you find a tick, remove it with fine tweezers close to the skin and save it in a sealed bag for testing if your dog gets sick. Don’t rely on folk remedies — many are useless or harmful. Regular checkups and a steady prevention plan beat chasing infections later.
Remember parasites can pass to people, so wash hands after handling pets, especially before eating. For multi-pet homes treat everyone on the same schedule to stop reinfection. Keep dewormers and topical meds in a cool, dry place and check expiration dates. If cost is a worry, ask your vet for generic options or local clinics that offer discounts. A small monthly investment in prevention protects your dog and your family. Make a plan with your vet.
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